Disneyland, California, premiered their new area; New Orleans Square. This land is based on 19th Century New Orleans, Louisiana. The debut featured a ceremony presided over by Walt Disney and the real mayor of New Orleans, Victor Schiro. “I had the honor of standing next to Walt for the opening of New Orleans Square. His eyes missed no detail and he spoke of how he would improve on the concept. Accompanying us was the mayor of New Orleans” (Disneyland Ambassador Connie Swanson.) This was the first new “land” to be opened since Disneyland’s opening in 1955. This expansion cost $18 million and encompassed 3-acres. This land debuted without a single ride, though it housed many shops and restaurants, for example, the One of a Kind shop and Mademoiselle Antoinette’s Parfumerie. Due to his failing health, this turned out to be Walt’s last major public appearance in the park.